Crossword Genius

Number in hibernation in effect (4)

Ross

I believe the answer is:

nine

'number' is the definition.
(nine is a number)

'in hibernation in effect' is the wordplay.
'in' indicates a hidden word.
'NINE' is hidden in the letters of 'hibernation in effect'.

(Other definitions for nine that I've seen before include "Number of lepers who failed to return" , "Three squared" , "'Possession is... points of the law'" , "A perfect square" , "Number for a club" .)

I've seen this clue in The Times.
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